Study and Career Opportunities in the USA

The United States has the largest international student population in the world due to its reputation for providing world-class education. This is supported by 61 universities included in the World Top 100 rankings.


However, the opportunity goes beyond earning a degree. International students on F-1 visas are also legally provided with the opportunity to work at major companies via Curricular Practical Training (CPT) during their studies, and Optional Practical Training (OPT) following graduation. If a student is pursuing studies in the fields of STEM (Sciences, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics) they can legally pursue OPT and work full-time for up to 3 years. At Master’s level, this can mean students accessing employment with significant salaries, providing an excellent return on investment and creating a platform for a meaningful career. With unemployment rates at records low levels (4.1% as of January 2018), there has never been a better time to invest in studying in the USA.

Another feature of US universities is the opportunity to access high value scholarships. Many universities will provide merit based scholarships for academic performance. Examples of universities offering graduate scholarships, with attractive CPT/OPT opportunities are referenced below.

Alvernia University: MBA
The Greater Metropolitan region of Philadelphia is the 8th largest metropolitan economy in the USA. International students pursuing a degree with Alvernia University will have access to major US employers right on their doorstep. Highly rated, and accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP.org), the program is designed for working professionals who place equal value on intellectual achievement and professional growth.Traditional format MBA classes are offered on campus in Reading, Pennsylvania and evening classes at several locations in the Philadelphia area.Prerequisite business classes are also available to students without a business undergraduate degree.

Attractive scholarship opportunities are also available for qualifying international students.After scholarship, the MBA (30 credit hour) tuition is only US$14,650 for Nigerian students.It is one of only a few ACBSP accredited programs not requiring GMAT. Research reports point to Post-MBA starting pay increasing 41-50% over Pre-MBA pay.MBA starting salaries in the US can range from US$55,000 to US$85,000 depending on concentration and experience.

Rivier University: MS in Computer Science (MSCS)
Greater Boston is the 6th largest economy in the USA and the 12th largest worldwide.As a result, opportunities for international students to pursue CPT and OPT are immense.The campus isin picturesque New Hampshire, an hour drive from Boston.International students enjoy an unparalleled combination of academic excellence, professional opportunity, and small-town friendliness.The MCSCprogram combines theory with significant practical experience, giving their graduates an edge in meeting the demands of the high-tech workplace.More than 200 International graduates are currently working in OPT positions across 21 states.According to US Department of Labor, 24% of IT occupations and 33% (can be as high as 50% in the top IT centers) of creative computer applications jobs were held by foreign born workers.Average starting salaries for CS undergraduates is around US$60,000 and around US$72,000 for those with Masters degrees.Rivier University graduates pursue leadership roles in data and systems analysis, software development, computer programming, IT managers, network administrators and information systems design.Tuition for the MSCS program at Rivier is approximately US$22,000.

Concordia University St. Paul: MS in Information Technology Management (MSITM)
The Twin Cities of St. Paul and Minneapolis, MNare home to almost 4 million people and the HQ of 15 Fortune 500 companies.Founded in 1893, Concordia University St Paul is ranked as a top 100 Midwest University by US News and World Report. International students will benefit from a high-quality education combined with the CPT and OPT opportunities the twin cities provide.

The MSITM program prepares students with the business leadership skills needed to successfully lead teams in the information technology workplace. Integrating business management and technical skill development, the coursework prepares graduates with in-demand skills and competencies.An average base pay for IT salaries is around US$62,000, with Master’s degree candidates earning in low US$80,000 range.The U.S. Department of Labor predicts IT manager employment to grow by 15% from 2014 to 2024, over twice the 7% growth rate of non-IT management jobs.The university offers attractive scholarships and qualifying international students who will pay full tuition fees in the region of US$17,000.

Point Park University: MS in Engineering Management (MSEM)
Pittsburgh, PA is a city that has successfully transitioned from “Steel City” to “STEM City”.STEM careers in particular are in high demand as leading companiessuch as Apple, Google, Facebook and Uber are among the 1600 technology firms to open offices in the city.In fact, Livability.com recently included Pittsburgh on the list of the best places to put an engineering degree to work with tech startups continuing to develop in the incubators of local universities.

Point Park University is a ranked #102 in Regional Universities North by US News and World Report.
The MSEM program is strategically designed to blend technical expertise with leadership and management skills to fulfill future industry needs for tech and business-savvy professionals. With the rapid growth of technology, companies need dynamic leaders who can work with people as well as they can work with technology. Median salaries in Engineering Management approach US$132,000. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics estimated around 180,000 current jobs with projected job growth of 2%. The university offers international students access to attractive scholarships which can reduce full tuition to around US$20,000.

To learn more about these study opportunities and many others, please join us at our Interactive Sessions across various Nigerian cities.To find out more details and register please visit:

www.ukeas.com.ng/learninghouse/

LAGOS INTERACTIVE SESSION
Date: Saturday, 3rd of March, 2018
Time: 11am –  4pm
Venue: UKEAS VI
No. 6 Adeola Odeku, Beside The Place eatery
Victoria Island
Contact Person: Theresa Aiyegbusi
M: +234 (0) 7065523909
E: [email protected]

ABUJA INTERACTIVE SESSION
Date: Monday 5th of February  
Time: 11am – 4pm
Venue: UKEAS Abuja
50, Adetokunbo Ademola Crescent,
Osas & Oseji Building,
Between UBA and H-Medix,
Wuse 2, Abuja FCT.
Contact Person: Festus
M: +234 (0) 8116709988
BB PIN: 534D1703
E: [email protected]

Please, click here to register online for Interaction Session